Display table

ABSTRACT

A table has a plurality of picture frames embedded in the top surface thereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general art of furniture, and tothe particular field of tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people have numerous photographs that they wish to display.However, in many instances, wall space is limited. This has led to somepeople covering an entire wall with photographs. Sometimes, this wall isa wall adjacent to a stairway; however, in any instance, the display ofphotographs in this manner is a double-edge sword. First of all, displayin this manner allows a person to display a great number of photographs.However, displaying a large number of photographs in this mannerdistracts a viewer's attention and any one of the photographs probablywill not receive the attention it deserves.

Displaying photographs on shelves also creates similar problems.Therefore, there is a need for a means to display additional photographsin a manner that is interesting and which will attract a viewer'sattention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-discussed disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by atable having a plurality of picture frames defined in the upper surfacethereof. Using the table embodying the present invention will permit auser to display a plurality of photographs in an unusual and uniquemanner and in a manner which will attract a viewer's attention.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereferenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photograph-displaying coffee tableembodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the table shown in FIG. 1 as seenalong line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view of a detail of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, it can be understood that the presentinvention is embodied in a table 10. Table 10 comprises a supportelement 12 which has a first surface 14 which is a top surface when thesupport element is in use and a second surface 16 which is a bottomsurface when the support element is in use. The first and secondsurfaces are congruent with each other with the first surface lying onthe second surface and having an area 20 defined between the first andsecond surfaces.

A side wall 24 connects the first surface and the second surfacetogether. A transparent cover, such as a glass sheet 26, lies on top ofthe first surface. A plurality of cutouts, such as cutout 30, aredefined through the first surface. The cutouts are shown as beingrectangular, but can be any suitable shape, and are spaced apart fromeach other.

A plurality of slots 32 are defined through the side wall. As can beunderstood from the figures, each slot is in communication with anassociated cutout of the plurality of cutouts via the area definedbetween the first and second surfaces. Pictures or photographs or thelike are slid into the cutout areas via the slots to be displayed by thetable. A plurality of legs 40 are connected to the second surface tosupport the table in the manner of a coffee table or the like. A coveror skirt 42 can be used with the table if suitable.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of thisinvention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except inlight of the attached claims and their equivalents.

1. A table comprising: A) a support element having (1) a first surfacewhich is a top surface when the support element is in use, (2) a secondsurface which is a bottom surface when the support element is in use,(3) the first and second surfaces being congruent with each other withthe first surface lying on the second surface and having an area definedbetween the first and second surfaces, and (4) a side wall connectingthe first surface and the second surface together; B) a plurality ofcutouts defined through the first surface, the cutouts being spacedapart from each other; C) a plurality of slots defined through the sidewall, each slot being in communication with an associated cutout of theplurality of cutouts via the area defined between the first and secondsurfaces; and D) a plurality of legs connected to the second surface. 2.A table comprising: A) a support element having (1) a first surfacewhich is a top surface when the support element is in use, (2) a secondsurface which is a bottom surface when the support element is in use,(3) a side wall connecting the first surface and the second surfacetogether; B) a plurality of cutouts defined through the first surface;and C) a plurality of slots defined through the side wall, each slotbeing in communication with an associated cutout of the plurality ofcutouts.